We have just completed our first two weeks of training and so far everyone in the group is having a fantastic time here in Verbier. There are 16 people in the course and 13 of us are living together in a fully equipped chalet. When we first arrived last Sunday we enjoyed a dinner at the chalet and were greeted by the ever-enthusiastic Harry who explained what we would be doing for the week and, of course, where the best places to grab a drink are! We then had a meeting at the Altitude office where we were split into two groups of 8 and introduced to our trainers: Sandy, Alex, Roddy and Jack. After the meeting we headed to the Pub Mont Fort with the whole Altitude team for some welcome drinks (first drink on Altitude!).
Ski instructor training
On Monday afternoon we began our training with the Altitude coaches; everyone found their skiing legs quickly and we had a great day of games and training exercises. The first week of training was mostly made up of exercises based on the basics of skiing: from balance and posture to snow-ploughs; we practiced our teaching skills and began to improve on our technique. Each day we all saw big developments in our skiing and enjoyed having different teaching styles from all of our coaches.
At the weekend most students got to experience Verbier’s fantastic nightlife at Pub Mont Fort, The Loft and Twin Peaks. Luckily enough with Altitude, Gap Students can get great discounts at most establishments, which means there wasn’t too much of a hole in our pockets (for most people at least!).
On Sunday everyone on the course went to Chris’s house (one of the students) where we were treated to an Asian style home cooked meal and had some very competitive Wii contests. The dark horse, Megan, took the title for both best Slalom and Ski Jump.
So far everyone on the Gap Course has had an awesome week and we can’t wait to continue the fun for the next weeks. I hope this blog has given you an insight into what to expect from the course and hopefully we will all see you on the mountain next season!
Tess
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Tess Boller
Hello to future Gap students, current Gap students and anyone who may be reading this! My name is Tess and I am currently completing the Level 1 and Level 2 BASI Ski Instructors Course with Altitude Futures in Verbier, Switzerland. This blog will hopefully help you find out a bit more about what to expect from the course and day-to-day life in Verbier.
